An ethereal energy surged within Raiden, fine as silk yet as resilient as a single thread, gradually weaving through his consciousness.
In an instant, his sense of smell expanded exponentially. Subtle scents that had previously escaped him now exploded into clarity, each one a vivid thread in a complex network.
The scent of Zenitsu, the stench of demons, and even the earthy fragrance of grass and trees—all mapped themselves across Raiden's awareness.
Following these threads, Raiden began to interpret them. Each scent carried meaning—fear, anger, surprise—and slowly, he understood their emotional context.
As the integration progressed, faint voices seemed to echo from every line, an entirely new perception flowing into his consciousness.
When it ended, Raiden opened his eyes. The forest looked the same, but now, colors were infused with scents, each emotion visible in the world around him. The Line of Seizing had granted not just a talent, but a new lens on reality.
Before he could adjust further, a foul stench hit him. Previously, he would have had to approach a demon closely to detect its odor. Now, it assaulted his senses, almost unbearable.
A gray-skinned crawling demon leaped from behind a tree. Its head spun through the air, and a fleeting thought struck it: Is that… my body? Then, consciousness faded.
The stench vanished, replaced by a gentle fragrance. Kanao appeared behind the demon, silently observing, her long blade still raised. Her eyes betrayed slight surprise—this crawling demon's speed and strength had given her trouble, yet a single strike had dispatched it.
Raiden smiled faintly. He had simply been intolerant of the demon's stench, eliminating it without effort. Unaware that Kanao had been in pursuit, he watched her pivot and vanish deeper into the forest.
Shrugging, Raiden turned his attention toward Tanjiro. He had memorized the boy's scent when they first met, and now, with his enhanced perception, it guided him clearly.
"Raiden, where are we going?" Zenitsu called, confused by Raiden's sudden movement.
"To make friends," Raiden replied smoothly.
Tanjiro's main opponent on Mount Fujikasane was the Hand Demon. Raiden did not go to assist him. His interest lay in observing the strongest demon on the mountain—evaluating whether it was worth befriending.
Raiden leapt through the dense forest, guided by the increasingly distinct scents of Tanjiro and the Hand Demon. The stench of the demon was overwhelming, far worse than any Bone or Crawling Demon they had encountered.
"Has it already begun?" Raiden muttered, forcing himself to endure the nausea as he approached the scene.
"Bang."
Raiden arrived just as Tanjiro headbutted the Hand Demon's extended arm aside. Observing the battle, Raiden rubbed his forehead. True natural talent—this was something that could not simply be learned.
"Is that… the swordsman who arrived last? He's so strong!" Zenitsu exclaimed, eyes wide as he watched Tanjiro's movements.
The Hand Demon's stench confirmed its rank—powerful and repulsive. This opponent could fight back, and Tanjiro held his ground.
Hand Demon
Race: Demon
Rank: Mizunoto
Comprehension: Lower-grade
Aptitude: Lower-grade
Talent: None
Skills: Ejecting Wrist (Proficient), Hand Cannon (Proficient)
Raiden perched on a nearby tree, slightly disappointed. The Hand Demon's abilities were evolved natural skills, not a true Blood Demon Art—the kind Raiden sought. Making friends with it would yield nothing, and attempting it now might draw Tanjiro's suspicion.
"Total Concentration!"
"Water Breathing, First Form!"
"Water Surface Slash!"
With a shout, Tanjiro's blade, cloaked in blue waves, severed the Hand Demon's head. Its body began to disintegrate.
Raiden's lips pressed together, a small thrill of respect surfacing. Tanjiro's gentle nature, his methodical mercy even toward demons, left Raiden slightly moved.
Losing interest in the Hand Demon, Raiden turned to leave.
"Let's go!"
Zenitsu hesitated. Weren't they supposed to make friends? Seeing Raiden walk off, he abandoned his questions and followed.
As Raiden vanished into the forest, Tanjiro sniffed the air.
"Just now… was that… Raiden's scent?" he murmured. It lingered, unfamiliar yet unmistakable.
Over the following days, Raiden scoured Mount Fujikasane. No demon bore a Blood Demon Art, but he found one with a unique talent.
Concealment Demon
Race: Demon
Rank: Kinoe
Comprehension: Lower-grade
Aptitude: Lower-grade
Talent: Concealment (Fades one's aura and energy)
Skills: Stealth (Proficient), Silent Step (Mastered)
At first, the Concealment Demon barely noticed Raiden and Zenitsu. A streak of lightning flashed, and the scenery spun around it. When consciousness returned, Raiden's foot pressed on its head.
"Want to be friends?" Raiden asked calmly.
The demon froze. Friends? Stepping on its head and asking for friendship?
Raiden's smile widened. "If not, then die."
Swallowing in fear, the Concealment Demon nodded.
System:
Successfully added Concealment Demon as a friend
Friendship level: Initial Acquaintance, random reward obtained
Raiden's blade dropped. The Concealment Demon's face was frozen in shock—was this man a lunatic? Kill if yes, kill if no?
Raiden studied the system panel, feeling a rare pang of tension. This Concealment Demon might be the only talent-bearing demon on Mount Fujikasane. Newly turned, it was strong enough that if it had consumed more humans, it could rival the Hand Demon.
System:
Obtained Talent: Concealment
Do you wish to integrate now?
Yes
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